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‘Cash-back’ - TV Licensing refund for students

TV Licensing is reminding students moving back home for the summer holidays that they could be eligible for a refund of around £37 on the final quarter of their annual TV Licence.

Many students moving back home for the summer from halls of residence or shared flats and houses will no longer need their TV Licence over the holidays. If so, and there are three full calendar months before the licence expires, they are entitled to a refund for the unused quarter.

Students need to ensure they buy a TV Licence early on, by the end of September/ early October, in order to allow enough time at the end of the academic year to qualify for a refund. A colour TV Licence bought in October 2010 cost £145.50 so the refund is around £37.

You need a TV Licence to watch or record programmes at the same time as they are shown on TV, whether you are watching on TV sets, or other devices including laptops.

Nearly a quarter of students surveyed (23 per cent) watch live TV online, according to research conducted on behalf of TV Licensing*. The survey also showed ownership of computers is generally much higher than TVs among students. Seventy-six per cent of students living in rented property have a TV, compared to 27 per cent in halls of residence. However, 100 per cent of students in rented accommodation have a laptop or PC, as do ninety-nine per cent of students living in halls of residence, suggesting that more are watching TV through this medium.

Suzanne Stevenson of TV Licensing, said:

“We know for students managing tight budgets every little helps, so we want to ensure those who are eligible know to claim the TV Licence refund. It could help by easing the burden of end-of-term household bills, or just by putting a little cash back in pockets.”

Students who wish to arrange a refund or who need further information, simply need to click on the following link : TV Licensing for Students or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6090.

Ben Whittaker, National Union of Students (NUS) Vice President (Welfare) said:

“The TV Licence refund offers students a great opportunity to save some cash, which will be particularly welcome in the current economic climate. We are glad TV Licensing continues to raise awareness about television licensing requirements among students, particularly around watching TV online where there can sometimes be confusion over when a licence is required. Students need to be aware of the law, so they avoid risking a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”